Passing of Fr. Peter Waldron

THE death has occurred of Fr. Peter Waldron, former Parish Priest of Keelogues, Ballyvary.

A native of Ballyhaunis, he was a man steeped in the community, and also had a great love of sport.

A tribute on the Tuam Archdiocese social media said: “Fr. Peter was a kind and good priest who left his mark in many places throughout the diocese, including Claran in Co. Galway and Keelogues, where he will always be fondly remembered by so many.

“It is probably in Ballyconneely that he will be most fondly remembered as the founder of the Connemara Golf Links in Ballyconneely. When he arrived in Cliften in the late 1960s, he made real a dream that put Ballyconneely on the map, an act from which north Connemara still greatly benefits from today.

“'Well done good and faithful servant.’ Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Ballyhaunis GAA Club have also paid tribute to their former club player, recalling how along with his late brother Noel, Fr. Peter was a member of the Ballyhaunis team which won the county senior championship in 1958 with a famous victory over Ballina Stephenites.

Fr. Peter was one of only two Ballyhaunis players, along with Johnny Biesty, to have won Mayo county championship medals at all three adult grades.

“Fr. Peter will be remembered as a stylish forward with an eye for the goalposts and was also an accomplished golfer,” the tribute added.

He is deeply mourned by his brother Fr. Kieran, his nephews and nieces, his loyal secretary and friend Kathleen Kelly, Archbishop Michael Neary and his brother priests, parishioners, and many friends.

A private family funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Joseph’s Church, Keelogues, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, with burial afterwards in the church grounds. The service can be viewed online.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.